New-for-2020 Handguns — SHOT Show Pick Six Preview

When covering SHOT Show 2020 our reporters will focus primarily on rifles, optics, and reloading equipment, because this website is dedicated to rifle accuracy. However we know many of our readers are interested in semi-auto pistols and revolvers, and we bet the majority of our Forum members own handguns. This Editor has competed in various pistol disciplines and I still love my semi-autos and wheelguns. So, for you fellow pistoleros out there, here’s our “Pick Six” — a half-dozen new handguns (both semi-auto pistols and revolvers) — all new for 2020.

1. Korth (Nighthawk Custom) — Korth Ranger

The new German-made Korth Ranger revolver is one of the most impressive wheelguns you can buy — at any price. Sold in the USA by Nighthawk Custom, Korth revolvers feature best-in-the-world workmanship, superb triggers, and outstanding accuracy. Designed for revolver match shooting, the Korth Ranger features a top Picatinny rail for Red Dot optics. The barrel shroud has lightening cuts which reveal a Lothar Walther match barrel with target crown.

2. Ruger 57 — New Competition Pistol for 5.7×28 Cartridge

The all-new Ruger 57 is an impressive full-size pistol with 4.94″ barrel. This looks like it will be a hoot to shoot. The 5.7×28 cartridge is a high-velocity, low recoil round — sort of a 22 WMR on steroids. Expect to get close to 1700 fps from a 40gr cartridge. We expect this long-slide pistol will be used mostly for gun games, but with a 20-round magazine, it certainly can handle self-defense duties too. According to a recent VIDEO REVIEW by 22Plinkster, the new Ruger 57 performs well. READ Ruger 57 Field Test.

3. Colt Python for 2020 — Stainless with 4.25″ or 6″ Barrels

The 4.25″ barrel Python is 9.75″ long and 42 ounces. The 6″ model is 11.5″ long and 46 ounces.

The Snake is back baby! For 2020, Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC will offer a refined and upgraded Colt Python with a hefty $1499.00 MSRP. The legendary double-action revolver, which originally debuted in 1955, returns in stainless steel in 4.25″ and 6″ barrel lengths. It is designed to be stronger than before. Numerous improvements were made to reinforce the revolver, including the use of stronger stainless steel alloys and a re-designed rear sight which allows for a 30% increase in the cross-sectional area of the top strap — meaning more steel for a stronger revolver.

4. Keltec P17 — New Compact, Budget-Priced .22 LR Pistol

Keltec’s new P17 rimfire pistol is lightweight, easy to handle, and features a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear. Priced at just $199.95 MSRP, the .22 LR P17 has 16+1 round capacity and ships with three, 16-round magazines. This is a small pistol — it weight just 14 ounces and OAL is 6.65″. Keltec states: “The new, affordable P17 pistol makes range days a lot less expensive and far more fun.” With low cost .22 LR ammo and a 16+1 capacity, this should be fun to shoot.

5. Ruger Super GP100 Revolver in 9mm Luger (9x19mm)

The 9×19mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger) cartridge was introduced in 1902 by German weapons manufacturer Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) for the Luger semi-auto pistol. Now 118 years later, Ruger is bringing us a sturdy, 6″-barrel revolver for this popular cartridge. Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame for this Super GP100 9mm revolver, which features a rather short 8-round PVD-coated cylinder to better fit the 9x19mm round. According to Guns.com the 9mm GP100 “uses a cylinder and extractor cut for moon clips to speed up reloading [and] sports a 6-inch half-lug sleeved and shrouded barrel with an 11-degree target crown[.]”

6. Wilson Combat — Experior Series 1911 Pistols

Wilson Combat’s new Experior handguns feature match-grade components, sweet triggers, and accuracy guarantees. Wilson states that “The Experior lineup [is] the most fully-loaded package we offer, showcasing nearly every tactical, functional and cosmetic option as a standard feature. They are a unique blend of classic 1911 design, paired with modern-day reliability and ergonomic enhancements[.]” Experiors will be offered in both 9mm and .45 ACP in a variety of barrel lengths. There will be both single-stack and double-stack Experior models.

MORE HANDGUNS HERE: You’ll find 18 other new-for-2020 pistols featured on the Guns Holsters & Gear (GHG), Shot Show 2020 Preview Page

BONUS — Upgraded for 2020
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 C.O.R.E. Pro Series Pistols

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 pistols were introduced back in 2017, so they aren’t new. But for 2020, S&W is offering Performance Center variants with cool new features. The New M&P M2.0 Performance Center pistols include porting and Competition Optics Ready (C.O.R.E.) slides. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, the new Performance Center M&P M2.0 pistols are available with either a 4.25″ or 5″ barrel. Features may include ported barrels and slides and fiber optic sights. For those looking to mount an optic without custom work, the new C.O.R.E. pistols have slides cut for optics straight from the factory. These will support the majority of popular pistol reflex sights.